CNC Machinist II

Blue Origin LLC; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Stock Options for regular employees

Paid Time Off: up to four weeks per yr

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a highly skilled CNC Machinist to join the machining team for our advanced hardware program. You will set up, operate, and optimize 3- to 5-axis machining of high-precision components from nickel superalloys and stainless steels.

Responsibilities include interpreting drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5, selecting tooling, performing first-article runs, and supporting process qualification and continuous improvement in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 5+ years aerospace manufacturing experience.
• 2+ years with multi-axis lathes and 5-axis mills producing complex parts to tight tolerances.
• 2+ years machining hardened metals including nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, and high-temperature superalloys.
• Experience with CNC controls such as Mazak, Okuma, Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5; ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures.
• CAM software experience, preferably Siemens NX.
• Proficiency with precision measurement instruments (micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, CMM, surface profilometers).
• Close attention to detail in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment with changing priorities.
• A continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to work cooperatively with cross-functional teams across geographic distances.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to drive projects with minimal oversight.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC milling machines (3-axis through 5-axis) to produce precision components per engineering drawings and process plans.
• Set up and operate CNC lathes and turning centers for precision shaft, housing, and case machining.
• Interpret engineering drawings with complex GD&T requirements and plan machining sequences to achieve specified tolerances.
• Provide machinability feedback directly to design engineering, advising on tolerancing, feature accessibility, fixturing constraints, and material selection to improve producibility before designs freeze.
• Evaluate and recommend CNC machines for the long-term production equipment plan, assessing machine tool capability, work envelope, accuracy, and throughput against program requirements.
• Perform first-article machining for new part numbers, optimizing feeds, speeds, tool paths, and fixturing for challenging materials and geometries.
• Perform in-process measurement using precision instruments (CMM, micrometers, bore gauges, surface profilometers) and make offset adjustments to maintain tolerance.
• Support post-processing of additively manufactured parts, including finish machining of AM components to final dimensions.
• Maintain tooling inventories, perform tool life management, and recommend tool selection for new applications.
• Document machining results, tool life data, and process parameters for production knowledge capture.
• Support process qualification and capability studies (Cp/Cpk) for critical dimensions.
• Maintain equipment through basic preventive maintenance and identify issues requiring maintenance support.

Skills

5-axis milling

5-axis turning

Read GD&T

Blueprint interpretation

Process optimization

Cross-functional collab

Quality mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in machining technology

Tools

Mazak controls

Okuma controls

Fanuc controls

Heidenhain controls

Siemens NX

Job description

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. This role is a foundational member of the machining team for a new advanced hardware program at Blue Origin. The successful candidate will set up, operate, and optimize multi-axis CNC equipment to produce high-precision components for rotating machinery, heat exchangers, and structural assemblies, including 5-axis milling, CNC turning, grinding, and EDM operations on nickel superalloys, stainless steels, and specialty alloys.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate multi-axis CNC milling machines (3-axis through 5-axis) to produce precision components per engineering drawings and process plans
• Set up and operate CNC lathes and turning centers for precision shaft, housing, and case machining
• Interpret engineering drawings with complex GD&T requirements and plan machining sequences to achieve specified tolerances
• Provide machinability feedback directly to design engineering, advising on tolerancing, feature accessibility, fixturing constraints, and material selection to improve producibility before designs freeze
• Evaluate and recommend CNC machines for the long-term production equipment plan, assessing machine tool capability, work envelope, accuracy, and throughput against program requirements
• Perform first-article machining for new part numbers, optimizing feeds, speeds, tool paths, and fixturing for challenging materials and geometries
• Perform in-process measurement using precision instruments (CMM, micrometers, bore gauges, surface profilometers) and make offset adjustments to maintain tolerance
• Support post-processing of additively manufactured parts, including finish machining of AM components to final dimensions
• Maintain tooling inventories, perform tool life management, and recommend tool selection for new applications
• Document machining results, tool life data, and process parameters for production knowledge capture
• Support process qualification and capability studies (Cp/Cpk) for critical dimensions
• Maintain equipment through basic preventive maintenance and identify issues requiring maintenance support

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• 5+ years of hands‑on manufacturing experience in an aerospace environment
• 2+ years of experience working with multi‑axis lathes and 5‑axis mills producing complex parts to tight tolerances
• 2+ years of experience machining hardened metals including nickel‑based alloys, stainless steels, and high‑temperature superalloys
• Experience with CNC controls such as Mazak, Okuma, Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, or equivalent platforms
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5; ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures
• CAM software experience, preferably Siemens NX
• Proficiency with precision measurement instruments (micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, CMM, surface profilometers)
• Close attention to detail in a fast‑paced, dynamic team environment with changing priorities
• A continuous improvement mindset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a customer‑focused approach
• Ability to work cooperatively with cross‑functional teams across geographic distances
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to drive projects with minimal oversight

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with turbomachinery components made from nickel‑based alloys, stainless steel, copper, or titanium
• Associate degree in machining technology or equivalent technical training
• Tooling and fixture design experience, with the ability to concept and specify work holding for complex geometries
• Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts around flight‑critical hardware
• Outside processing knowledge (heat treat, plating, coating, EDM, grinding, etc.)
• Experience with post‑processing of additively manufactured parts
• Experience with 5‑axis simultaneous machining (DMGMori, Hermle, Mikron, or similar)
• Experience evaluating and selecting CNC machine tools for production, including vendor assessment, capability studies, and factory acceptance testing
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company’s intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company’s results, or other factors at the company’s sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check Required

Background Check Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre‑employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affi

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affi

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space. California Applicant Privacy Notice